Six Lee County Commuter Services Employer Partners Receive Regional and National Awards for Offering Commuter Benefits

Submitted by Lauren Lane of Commuter Services Program

During the January 10, 2012 Lee County Board of County Commission ceremonial presentation to the Board recognizing “Commuter Services 2011 Awards,” six exemplary organizations were awarded for their efforts in shifting commuters drive-alone habits by offering a variety of commuter benefits.

The first award, the National Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC), was presented by Phil Winters Director, TDM Program at the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR). Best Workplaces for Commuters provides national recognition and elite designation to employers offering outstanding commuter benefits, as set by the National Center for Transit Research (NCTR) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Commuter Services Gold and Platinum Level Partner Awards are determined by a set of regional criteria. These awards were presented by Commissioner and Commuter Services Ambassador Ray Judah, and the Florida Department of Transportation Program Manager Jan Parham and Commuter Services Program Director Christine Diaz. Commuter Services partners reaching Gold Level status have demonstrated a commitment to marketing, outreach and program development efforts. This includes participating in more than four outreach or transportation events and campaigns per year, offering incentives like preferred parking, transit subsidies, bike racks/showers, and alterative work schedules like compressed work weeks and teleworking programs, along with a high percentage of employee participation.

Commuter Services partners reaching Platinum Level status have provided exemplary commuter benefits beyond the Gold Level status. This includes programs that match the Best Workplaces for Commuters criteria, offer innovative commuter benefits, incorporate alternative transportation modes into Green Team/Sustainability efforts, and significantly reduce the number of drive-alone commuters. This award was presented to Kim Wheeler, Housing and Transportation Manager at South Seas Island Resort. Nearly 90% ofSouth Seas Island Resort employees use an alternative to drive alone commuting, whether participating in the company-sponsored vanpool program, choosing to live in onsite housing or taking advantage of carpooling.

Congratulations to the following Commuter Services partners and award recipients:


South Seas Island Resort
Commuter Services Platinum Level Partner
2011/2012 Best Workplace for Commuters
Accepted by: Kim Wheeler

Lee County Board of County Commissioners
Commuter Services Gold Level Partner
2011/2012 Best Workplace for Commuters
Accepted by: Commissioner and Commuter Services Ambassador Ray Judah and Tessa LeSage
Acknowledgements: Jan Cook, Rich Beck, Karen Hawes and Holly Schwartz

Lee County Clerk of Courts
Commuter Services Gold Level Partner
2011/2012 Best Workplace for Commuters
Accepted by: Karen Jaye and Linda Doggett
Acknowledgements: Judy Marcucci


Lee County DOT Operations
Commuter Services Gold Level Partner
2011/2012 Best Workplace for Commuters
Accepted by: Kathy Awiszus and staff
Acknowledgements: Jerry Cline, Doraine Wetzel and Clay Simmons

Florida Gulf Coast University
Commuter Services Gold Level Partner
Accepted by: Kathleen Crawford

Comcast Corporation
Commuter Services Gold Level Partner
Accepted by: Barbara Johnston
Acknowledgements: Angel Morrow, Kristi Flint and Hector Gonzalez